Features

DC melodic punk band Celebration Summer has spent the past few years refining their sound, blending influences from Dischord-era punk, gruff melodic hardcore, and introspective folk and country songwriting. With their recently released J. Robbins-produced EP, 'A Little Less Numb,' the band takes a more nuanced and emotionally resonant approach to their music, channeling vulnerability and self-discovery through their songwriting.

In shaping their sound, Celebration Summer has drawn inspiration from a wide range of artists - going all the way from Hot Water Music to The Pixies. To get a deeper look into the music that has shaped them, the band was kind enough to put together a list of 10 albums that have influenced them in some way, shape of form.

"These albums aren’t ranked by importance—each one has contributed in its own way to our evolution as a band. We’re starting with Leatherface because, simply put, Mush left a lasting mark and a love of Leatherface was somewhat of the impetus to starting the band in the first place."

Leatherface – Mush

Leatherface’s Mush is a study in raw energy and subtle emotion. Frankie Stubbs’ distinctive vocals and the album’s mix of aggression and unexpected tenderness continue to inspire our approach to writing music that feels both direct and nuanced.

Tiltwheel – Hair-Brained Scheme Addicts

Tiltwheel taught us that punk rock can be both earnest and raw, but also a bit silly too. Hair-Brained Scheme Addicts was like that spontaneous road trip that left you breathless and grinning at the absurdity of it all.

Hot Water Music – No Division

No Division showed us how to channel pure energy into tightly crafted songs. The album’s relentless guitars and driving rhythms remind us that music doesn’t need embellishments to make a statement—it can be bold and straightforward.

Samiam – Samiam

Samiam’s self-titled album is filled with catchy hooks and a series of drum rolls that never fail to impress—who doesn't love a good drum roll? Its blend of melody and grit set a benchmark for writing songs that are as engaging as they are honest.

Dag Nasty – Can I Say

Can I Say is a masterclass in melodic hardcore. With its well-crafted riffs and impassioned vocals, Dag Nasty proved that punk could be both thoughtful and fierce—a lesson we carry into our own music.

Pegboy – Strong Reaction

Pegboy’s Strong Reaction is a constant reminder of how raw emotion can be translated into compelling, anthemic punk. Its straightforward intensity has influenced our drive to write songs that hit hard without sacrificing melody.

Hüsker Dü – New Day Rising

Hüsker Dü managed to blend distortion with melody in a way that remains influential. Their knack for creating songs that are both fast and thoughtfully arranged has had a lasting impact on our approach to songwriting.

Dillinger Four – Civil War

Dillinger Four showed us that punk can be clever and fun without losing its edge. Civil War is full of punchy, memorable tunes that remind us to keep our music engaging and a little irreverent.

The Pixies – Doolittle

Doolittle challenged our expectations with its off-kilter guitar work and dynamic contrasts. The Pixies demonstrated that breaking from the norm can produce a sound that’s as unpredictable as it is captivating.

Jawbreaker – 24 Hour Revenge Therapy

Jawbreaker’s 24 Hour Revenge Therapy strikes a fine balance between lyrical storytelling and raw punk energy. Its blend of vivid imagery and driving rhythms continues to influence the way we think about crafting songs with a punch.

Honorable Mentions:

• Garden Variety – A band whose blend of melody and post-hardcore energy often reminds us why music can be both thoughtful and visceral.
• Seaweed – Fusing grunge with punk, Seaweed’s dynamic approach to songwriting remains a subtle yet persistent influence on our work.

"While these bands and albums have been a huge source of inspiration for Celebration Summer, our sound and songwriting draw from a wide range of influences beyond the usual punk rock boxes. Our individual tastes delve into ska/reggae, Americana, various forms of metal, indie/alternative, art rock, and beyond—even southeastern Bulgarian folk music (just kidding about that one, though maybe we should look into it?!). This blend of styles keeps our music fresh, evolving, and full of surprises."